Premature Ejaculation FAQs

How will I know if I am suffering from premature ejaculation?

The duration of intercourse before ejaculation varies from person to person, so often deciding whether an individual is suffering from premature ejaculation is subjective. Generally, the consensus among doctors is that if you ejaculate within two minutes of intercourse then you are suffering from premature ejaculation.

Is premature ejaculation a form of impotence?

Premature ejaculation and impotence are two separate conditions which people sometimes confuse and think are the same. Premature ejaculation is when a man cannot sustain sexual intercourse for an adequate amount of time; impotence is when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.

Who is most likely to suffer from premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is common in both older and younger men. Some estimates suggest that as many as one in three men will experience problems with premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. This condition can occur both frequently and infrequently but this does depend on the underlying cause of the problem.

What causes premature ejaculation?

Problems with premature ejaculation are often psychological. Certain factors such as anxiety, stress and depression are most likely to cause problems and it is known that early sexual experiences can condition the mind and result in the problem, too.

There are also various physical causes of premature ejaculation. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis and prostate disease can bring on the condition. Additionally, there are certain injuries to the pelvis which you might sustain which could indirectly affect the time it takes you ejaculate.

What should I do if I think I am suffering from premature ejaculation?

You should first consult with a doctor to receive a diagnosis, because many men believe they are suffering from premature ejaculation when they are actually not. If the doctor confirms the diagnosis, you can decide which treatment is most suitable for you.

Is there a premature ejaculation cure?

Premature ejaculation is easily treatable but there is no one-off cure for the problem. There are various medical and non-medical treatments available, including specially-formulated condoms and a medication available on prescription. Therapies and natural techniques are also a popular option.

What prescription treatments are available for this condition?

Surprisingly, for such a common condition there is only one prescription treatment available to help cure premature ejaculation. This treatment is known as Priligy, which is an oral medication that is clinically proven to prolong the time it takes you to ejaculate. Priligy has only very recently been introduced and is still gaining regulatory approval in a number of countries.

What non-medical treatments are available?

There are a variety of non-medical treatments available which can help to treat premature ejaculation. Penis exercises can be effective if they are practiced over an extended period of time. An example is the "stop-start" method, involving masturbation which is abruptly stopped before the man has a chance to ejaculate. Doing this regularly is thought to gradually lengthen the time it takes to ejaculate during intercourse.

Various creams and gels exist to desensitise the penis before it penetrates the vagina. However, these treatments are not discreet and may interrupt the flow and pleasure of sexual intercourse. Therapy can be beneficial for people who are willing to talk about their condition with a counsellor who can help them to examine any underlying psychological concerns which could be causing premature ejaculation.

Can surgery treat premature ejaculation?

This is very much a last resort for those looking to remedy their premature ejaculation problem, and is not usually recommended by doctors. Premature ejaculation is usually adequately treated by any of the methods listed above, and surgery is therefore rarely necessary.

Should I tell my partner if I am experiencing premature ejaculation?

This is your own decision, but it is generally recommended that men who are suffering from premature ejaculation discuss the problem with their partner. Natural techniques such as the "stop-start" method or the Masters-Johnson technique depend on your partner's cooperation to succeed. If you choose a form of counselling, it is often beneficial to do this with your partner to address any potential problems in your relationship that may be contributing to the problem.